Expandable user interface menu

ABSTRACT

Expandable user interface menu techniques are described, including displaying a menu having a menu item, receiving an input indicating selection of the menu item, and expanding the menu, based on one or more parameters associated with the menu item, to present a structure configured to receive another input associated with the menu item, the menu item remaining displayed while the menu is expanded.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Examples relate generally to software and user interfaces. Morespecifically, expandable user interface menu techniques andimplementations are described.

BACKGROUND

User interface menus often include menu items that use additional userinput. For example, a user interface menu, such as one typically labeled“File,” often includes a “Save As . . . ” menu item, which uses a userto enter a filename. Other examples of menu items that use additionaluser input include “Open . . . ,” “Print . . . ,” “Find . . . ,” and“Replace . . . . ” The ellipses in a menu item typically signify thatadditional user input is used.

Conventionally techniques for gathering additional user input typicallyinvolve one or more “popup” windows or displays that disengage from aninitiating user interface menu. For example, when a user selects a “SaveAs . . . ” menu item from a menu, the menu typically disappears. Then, awindow pops up for the user to (1) enter a filename and (2) eitherconfirms the user's action (e.g., clicking on a “Save” button to confirmsaving a file) or cancels the user's action (e.g., clicking on a“Cancel” button). In some situations, such as selecting a “Print . . . ”menu item to print a file, a second, third, and more windows may appearor “pop up” to receive additional user input (e.g., for specifyingprinter properties or customizing document formatting). However, thereare problems associated with conventional techniques.

In some conventional techniques, a new popup window typically disruptsthe user experience by visually interrupting a user's attention andmentally interrupting user focus on a given task. Conventional popupwindows demand user interaction or intervention (e.g., clicking on oneor more buttons in a popup window to close it) before allowing a user toreturn to the task at hand or to interact with previously popped upwindows. For example, if providing additional user input to a menu itemresults in several popup windows appearing in succession, a user mustclose all displayed popup windows before being able to return to anapplication user interface. Further, popup windows use up more space ona display screen than a user interface menu. Conventional displaysbecome visually “cluttered” with popup windows.

Another problem with conventional techniques is the denial of theability to access other menu items when a popup window appears. Forexample, a menu of font sizes typically includes options for selectingfont sizes and an “Other Size . . . ” menu item for a user to manuallyinput a numerical value to specify a font size not appearing in themenu. However, when conventional solutions present a popup window toenter a font size, the font size menu typically disappears, preventingthe selection of other items or options, limiting or altogethereliminating further user input.

Thus, a solution for providing user input without leaving the context ofa given application without the limitations of conventional techniquesis needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Various examples are disclosed in the following detailed description andthe accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary expandable user interface menu;

FIG. 1B illustrates another exemplary expandable user interface menu;

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative exemplary expandable user interfacemenu;

FIG. 3A illustrates another alternative exemplary expandable userinterface menu;

FIG. 3B illustrates a further alternative exemplary expandable userinterface menu;

FIG. 3C illustrates yet another alternative exemplary expandable userinterface menu;

FIG. 3D illustrates still another alternative exemplary expandable userinterface menu;

FIG. 4A is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for expandable userinterface menu;

FIG. 4B is a flow diagram of an alternative exemplary process forexpandable user interface menu;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary application architecture for expandableuser interface menu; and

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary computer system suitable forimplementing an expandable user interface menu.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments or examples may be implemented in numerous ways,including as a system, a process, an apparatus, a user interface, or aseries of program instructions on a computer readable medium such as acomputer readable storage medium or a computer network where the programinstructions are sent over optical, electronic, or wirelesscommunication links. In general, operations of disclosed processes maybe performed in an arbitrary order, unless otherwise provided in theclaims.

A detailed description of one or more examples is provided below alongwith accompanying figures. The detailed description is provided inconnection with such examples, but is not limited to any particularexample. The scope is limited only by the claims and numerousalternatives, modifications, and equivalents are encompassed. Numerousspecific details are set forth in the following description in order toprovide a thorough understanding. These details are provided as examplesand the described techniques may be practiced according to the claimswithout some or all of the accompanying details. For clarity, technicalmaterial that is known in the technical fields related to the exampleshas not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thedescription.

In some examples, the described techniques may be implemented as acomputer program or application (“application”) or as a plug-in, module,or sub-component of another application. The described techniques may beimplemented as software, hardware, firmware, circuitry, or a combinationthereof. If implemented as software, the described techniques may beimplemented using various types of programming, development, scripting,or formatting languages, frameworks, syntax, applications, protocols,objects, or techniques, including C, Objective C, C++, C#, Adobe®Integrated Runtime™ (Adobe® AIR™), ActionScript™, Flex™, Lingo™, Java™,Javascript™, Ajax, Perl, COBOL, Fortran, ADA, XML, MXML, HTML, DHTML,XHTML, HTTP, XMPP, and others. Design, publishing, and other types ofapplications such as Dreamweaver®, Shockwave®, Flash®, and Fireworks®may also be used to implement the described techniques. The describedtechniques may be varied and are not limited to the examples ordescriptions provided.

Various examples of expandable user interface menus are described,including menu items, menu expansions, input controls, input data, orother user interface elements. Devices, computing systems, userinterfaces, processes, methods, and programming instructions thatimplement various expandable user interface menus are also described.These and other techniques may be implemented in any applications,including those executed on a mobile device, that use one or more userinterface menus. Various techniques for expandable user interface menumay be selectively implemented. In other examples, different techniquesmay be implemented differently and are not limited to the examplesprovided and described.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary expandable user interface menu. Here,application window 101 shows user interface menu (“menu”) 110 havingmenu items 120 and 125. A control pointer 130 is shown near menu item125. Menu 110 is shown in a pre-expanded form.

Application window 101 may occupy a portion of a display screen (notshown) or the entire display screen. An application may implement anynumber of menus, including one or more submenus (e.g., menu 210 of FIG.2). Here, menu 110 is shown near the top of application window 101. Insome examples, menu 110 may be displayed anywhere in application window101, such as near the left side, right side, bottom, or center ofapplication window 101. Further, menu 110 may be moved to anotherlocation, within, overlapping, or outside application window 101.

In some examples, a menu, such as menu 110 may include any number ofmenu items, such as one, two, five, eight, 11, 18, 25, 40, 59 or more.Here, menu 110 is shown with nine menu items 120 and 125. Here, menuitems 120 and 125 are shown in a vertical arrangement in menu 110. Insome examples not shown, menu items 120 and 125 may be arrangeddifferently, such as horizontally, following a curvature (e.g., an arcor circle), or in a combination of horizontal-vertical groups (e.g.,arranging menu items vertically in each two or more groups and arrangingthe groups horizontally). In some examples, users may be allowed toconfigure menu 110 to add more menu items. Any of menu items 120 and 125may be represented by a graphical element (e.g., an image, thumbnail, oricon), a textual element (e.g., one or more characters, symbols, orwords), or a combination of both, as shown. Here, for illustrationpurposes, menu 110 and text associated with menu items 120 and 125 areshown in English. However, text in any language or in more than onelanguage may be used in an expandable user interface menu.

In some examples, menu items 120 may be referred to as “action” menuitems (i.e., an action or function is performed upon selection of a menuitem). Menu item 125 and the like may be referred to as customizablemenu items or “ellipses” menu items. Ellipses menu items may receiveadditional user input before an action or function is performed. In someexamples, ellipses menu items (i.e., menu items customized withadditional user input) may be indicated by including ellipses in themenu items. There may be other types of menu items. For example, a menuitem may, upon selection, cause the display of another menu (i.e., asubmenu), such as some of menu items 205 of FIG. 2. This type of menuitems may be referred to as “submenu” menu items and may be indicatedusing a symbol (e.g., an arrow), as shown in the first four menu items205 (FIG. 2). In some examples, ellipses or submenu menu items mayinclude other signifying symbols or no signifying symbol. Any menu itemin a menu, such as menu 101 (FIG. 1A), may be an action menu item,ellipses menu item, submenu menu item, or another type of menu item. Amenu (e.g., menu 110) may have any combination of different types ofmenu items, including menu items of one or multiple types (i.e.,ellipses, action, submenu, or other).

User interface elements, such as menu 110 and menu items 120 and 125 maybe selected or activated via control pointer 130, other controls (notshown), or other methods. For example, a user may provide user input ordata via one or more controls to select a menu (e.g., menu 110), submenu(e.g., menu 210 of FIG. 2), menu item (e.g., menu item 120 or 125), oranother user interface element. As used herein, the term “control”refers generally to any input interface or mechanism. A control may bephysically implemented (e.g., a key, button, mouse, trackball, touchscreen, tablet, lever, switch, pen, and others) or virtuallyimplemented, such as a graphical user interface (“GUI”) control (e.g., apointer, icon, button, box, checkbox, list box, or another GUI widget orelement). In some examples, a control may be activated with a singleaction, such as a single click or keystroke. In other examples,activating a control may be performed with two or more actions (e.g.,two or more keystrokes, clicks, or combination). In some examples, whena control is activated, a signal is generated. For example, activating acontrol may generate a signal to select a menu, select a menu item,expand a menu, or interface an input control.

A menu may be activated or selected using any methods. For example, auser may select or activate menu 110 (the “Theme” menu in applicationwindow 101) by clicking control pointer 130 on the word “Theme”, byhovering control pointer 130 over the word “Theme”, or by pressing a keyor combination of keys on a keyboard (“keyboard shortcut”). The term“hovering,” with respect to user interface, refers generally to moving acontrol (e.g., control pointer 130) over a widget or item (e.g., theword “Theme” or a menu item) and keeping the control over such widget oritem for a period of time (e.g., a fraction of a second). Onceactivated, menu 110 is displayed showing menu items 120 and 125 forselection. In some examples, the selected menu may be de-selected oranother menu may be selected.

A menu item may be selected, for example, when a control is activated,such as control pointer 130. For example, to select menu item 125,control pointer 130 may be clicked on menu item 125. In other examples,selecting menu item 125 may be achieved by hovering an element (e.g.,control pointer 130) over menu item 125 for a pre-determined period oftime, such as a fraction of a second. In yet other examples, menu item(e.g., 125) may be selected by other methods or controls, such as akeyboard shortcut. Upon selecting an ellipses menu item, such as menuitem 125, menu 110 expands to allow additional user input.

FIG. 1B illustrates another exemplary expandable user interface menu.Here, application window 151 shows user interface menu 110 with anexpanded menu portion 160. Menu portion 160, when expanded in thedirection of arrow 165, shows additional input controls 170. Forexample, menu portion 160 may be associated with menu item 125.Selecting menu item 125 (e.g., using control pointer 130 or anothercontrol) triggers menu 110 to be expanded with menu portion 160.

In some examples, one or more parameters associated with a menu item(e.g., menu item 125) may be used to determine various aspects of anexpandable user interface menu. Parameters associated with a menu itemmay be the type of a menu item (e.g., ellipses or action), the positionof a menu item in a menu, the level of additional user input (e.g., onepiece of data or more than one piece of data), the form of data (e.g.,text data, selection list, checkbox, or other form), and otherproperties. For example, the size of menu portion 160 may be based onthe level of additional user input used to customize menu item 125. Herethe level of additional user input, as indicated by input controls 170,uses “Color” checkboxes, a “Font” list, and a “Font Size” list. Further,menu portion 160 may be designed to use minimal amount of display spaceto minimize the covering of application window 101 and to minimizeinterrupting a user's focus on the current task. For example, the numberand sizes of input controls 170 may be used to determine a layout ofmenu portion 160.

In some examples, the direction of expansion may be based on one or moreparameters associated with menu item 125. For example, menu portion 160may be expanded downwards in the direction shown by arrow 165. In otherexamples, menu portion 160 may be expanded substantially adjacent tomenu 110 in another direction (not shown), such as to the right of, tothe left of, or above menu 110. Menu portion 160 may be moved, eitherindependent of menu 110, or in unison with menu 110. For example, aftermenu portion 160 is expanded and displayed, a user may move menu portion160 to another location within, overlapping, or outside applicationwindow 151.

Input controls 170 may be any controls designed to collect, accept, orotherwise gather user input. There may be any number of input controls,such as one, two, three, five, eight, 15 or more. In some examples,input controls 170 may be any combination of one or more checkboxes,selection boxes, dropdown lists, selection lists, buttons (includingradio buttons), input fields, widgets, elements, and other structures.In other example, one or more input controls may be ellipses inputcontrols (i.e., causing another menu portion to be expanded withadditional input controls). An input control may be accompanied by adescription, such as “Color,” “Font,” or “Font Size.” For example,application window 151 may be showing a menu for selecting fontdisplaying themes. When menu portion 160 is expanded with input controls170, input controls 170 may include one or more “Color” checkboxes forselecting one or more theme colors, a “Font” dropdown list of font namesfor selecting a font, a “Font Size” list for selecting a font size, abutton to confirm any input entered (e.g., “Apply,” “OK,” or “Commit”),and a “Cancel” button to cancel and close menu portion 160. In someexamples, expanded menu portion 160 may include fewer or more inputcontrols than shown or other input controls. Further, menu portion 160may include output controls, for example, providing instructions,warnings, descriptions, or other information.

In some examples, data entered via input controls 170 may be associatedwith menu item 125, which caused input controls 170 to be presented.Input data via input controls 170 may be any form of data, such as text,ASCII characters, binary bits, bytes, words, symbols, objects, or dataof another form. Data entered via input controls 170 may be stored forother uses or for used by other menu items or controls.

In some examples, data entered via input controls 170 may be used asdefault values by input controls 170 in a later time. Having the abilityto remember and reuse data values in a later time allows users tocustomize an ellipse menu item (e.g., menu item 125). For example, auser may customize menu item 125 by using input controls 170 to check ared color checkbox, select a Times New Roman font, or select a mediumfont size. The next time the user selects menu 125, menu portion 160 mayexpand to show input controls 170 with a red color checkbox checked bydefault, a Times New Roman font selected by default, or a medium fontsize selected by default. The user may accept or change any of thedefault values, which may further appear as default values in asubsequent activation of menu item 125.

Note that as users interact with one or more input controls 170 (otherthan pressing “Cancel” or “Apply”), menu 110 remains displayed alongwith menu portion 160. Menu items in menus 110 (e.g., menu items 120)remains displayed and available for selection. For example, afterselecting menu item 125, which causes menu portion 160 to be expanded, auser may have an option to select one of menu items 120. Keeping menuitems 120 and input controls 170 available for selection at the sametime preserves or otherwise retains the context of menu 110 in itsexpanded state. Further, having menu 110 and menu portion 160 opened mayallow a user to continue to focus on the user's task withoutinterruptions, visual or mental.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative exemplary expandable user interfacemenu. Here, application window 201 includes menu 203 having menu items205. Some of menu items 205 may be submenu menu items. When a submenumenu item is selected, for example, the “Font Size >” menu item, menu210 is displayed with menu items 220 and 225. Menu items 220 and 225each represents a function (i.e., choosing a font size) associated withthe “Font Size” menu 210. When menu item “Other . . . ” 225 is selected,menu 210 expands with menu portion 260, for example, in the directionshown by arrow 265. Menu portion 260 includes input controls 270.

With respect to menus in graphical user interface, a “submenu” refers toa menu (e.g., menu 210) that is activated from another menu (e.g., menu203). A first-level submenu refers to a submenu of a menu, which itselfis not a submenu. A second-level submenu refers to a submenu of afirst-level submenu. Generally, an N-level submenu refers to a submenuof a N-minus-one-level submenu. In some examples, menu 210 may be asubmenu, such as a first-level submenu (i.e., submenu of menu 203), asshown. In other examples, menu 210 may be a second, third, fourth, or adeeper level of submenu (e.g., a submenu of a fourth-level submenu).

In some examples, one or more parameters associated with menu 210 may beused to determine various aspects of an expandable user interface menu.Parameters associated with menu 210 may be the size, position, anddimensions of the menu, the number of menu items 220 and 225, the size,position, and dimensions of application window 201 in which the menu 210is shown, and other properties associated with menu 210. For example,when an input is received for selecting menu item 225, one or moreparameters associated with menu 210 are determined before expanding menu210. In some examples, if there is insufficient space, for example,between the bottom edge of menu 210 and the bottom border of applicationwindow 201, menu portion 260 may be expanded to the right or left ofmenu 210 instead of downwards as shown.

In some examples, one or more selection may be performed by keyboardshortcuts. For example, a user may use keyboard shortcuts to select the“Format” menu 203, the “Font Size >” menu 210, or the “Other . . . ”menu item 225, which causes menu portion 260 to be expanded anddisplayed with input controls 270. Here, a text box input control 270may be interfaced by a keyboard or by a GUI control (e.g., controlpointer 130, FIG. 1B). For example, a user may type in a number (e.g.,“86”) to the text box input control 270 or use a GUI control tointerface the text box input control 270 (e.g., manipulate the arrowsshown next to the input control) to arrive at a desirable data (e.g.,“86”). To accept the entered data (i.e., “86”), a user may activate the“Apply” input control 270 (e.g., with a GUI control or keyboardshortcut). Again, menu items 220 may remain displayed, providing a useran option of selecting one of the given font sizes presented (i.e.,displayed) as menu items 220. Notice the small amount of display spaceused by menu portion 260 to display input controls 270. Here, parameterssuch as the number of input controls 270 and the sizes of input controls270 may be used to determine a layout of menu portion 260 to minimize orreduce any disruptions to the user experience.

FIG. 3A illustrates another alternative exemplary expandable userinterface menu. Here, menu 310 a, which may be a submenu, shows thatellipses or customizable menu items 325 may be positioned anywhere in amenu. Here, for example, menu items 325 shown are ellipses menu items.For illustration, expandable user interface menus may be implemented inan application that allows the sharing of information (e.g., cookingrecipes). For example, information may be shared or sent by email,instant messaging (“IM”), mobile device communication, or another typeof communication media, application, or service.

FIG. 3B illustrates a further alternative exemplary expandable userinterface menu. Here, menu 310 b shows a selection of a first menu item325 b being ellipses menu items. In some examples, selecting a firstmenu item 325 b being an ellipses menu item may cause a menu portion 360b to be expanded downwards from menu 310 b, as shown by arrow 365. Menuportion 360 b includes, for example, a text box input control 370 b fora user to enter an email address. An input control 370 b to accept theentered text data (i.e., an email address) may be labeled “Send.” Inother examples, a menu portion, such as menu portion 380 b, may beexpanded in another direction, such as that shown by arrow 385.Determining whether to expand menu portion 370 b in the direction ofarrow 365 or 385 or another direction may be based on, for example, aposition parameter of menu item 325 b (e.g., being a first menu item).

FIG. 3C illustrates yet another alternative exemplary expandable userinterface menu. Here, menu 310 c shows a selection of a middle menu item325 c being ellipses menu items. A middle menu item is any menu itemthat is not the first or last menu item. In some examples, selecting amiddle menu item 325 c being an ellipses menu item may cause a menuportion 360 c to be expanded downwards from menu 310 c, as shown byarrow 365. Menu portion 360 c includes, for example, a text box inputcontrol 370 c for a user to enter an IM address. In other examples, amenu portion, such as menu portion 380 c, may be expanded in anotherdirection, such as that shown by arrow 385. Determining where to expandmenu portion 370 c may be based on, for example, one or more parametersassociated with menu 310 c. For example, parameters relating to the sizeand position of menu 310 c with respect to an application window (notshown) may determine menu portion 360 c to expand in the direction of365, 385, or another direction.

FIG. 3D illustrates still another alternative exemplary expandable userinterface menu. Here, menu 310 d shows a selection of another menu item325 c being ellipses menu items. Here, menu portion 360 d is shownexpanding downwards in the direction of arrow 365. Menu portion 360 dincludes, for example, an input control 370 d for a user to enter amobile telephone number. In some examples (not shown), menu portion 360d may be expanded differently.

In general, a menu portion may be expanded substantially adjacent to amenu in any location or in any direction (e.g., above, below, to theright, to the left, or near a corner of a menu). Again, a menu, a menuportion, or both may be moved to any location, such as any locationwithin, overlapping, or outside an application window. In the examplesprovides, not all features and properties are included. In otherexamples, there may be additional features and properties. Theabove-described user interface menus, menu items, menu portions, inputcontrols, output controls, input data, or user interface elements may bevaried in number, design, configuration, implementation, structure,function, or other aspects and are not limited to the examples shown anddescribed.

FIG. 4A is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for expandable userinterface menu. Here, process 401 is suitable for implementation as, forexample, a computer program code, software instructions, firmware,circuitry, logic, or hardware. A user interface (“UI”) menu or submenuis displayed (410). The menu may include an ellipses or customizablemenu item in any position of the menu, such as at the beginning, in themiddle, or at the end of the menu. The menu may have one or more othermenu items, which may be of any type (e.g., action, ellipses, submenu,or other). An input is received indicating selection of, for example, anellipses menu item (420). The input may come from any control, such asone described herein. The menu is expanded to display one or more inputcontrols or structures to receive additional input associated with theselected ellipses menu item (430). For example, a menu portion may beexpanded adjacent to the menu (e.g., below, above, to the right, or toleft of the menu). The input controls may be any controls (e.g., GUIwidgets), such as those described above. Users may enter data to theinput controls associated with the selected ellipses menu item. Sincethe menu and the menu items contained therein remain displayed, usersalso have the option to select another menu item from the menu. In someexamples, the above-described process may be varied in design, order,implementation, or other aspects, and is not limited to the examplesshown and described.

FIG. 4B is a flow diagram of an alternative exemplary process forexpandable user interface menu. A menu or submenu (i.e., user interfacemenu) is displayed (460). The menu may include a customizable orellipses menu item in any position of the menu, such as at thebeginning, in the middle, or at the end of the menu. The menu may haveone or more other menu items, which may be of any type (e.g., action,customizable, submenu, or other). An input is received indicatingselection of a customizable menu item (470). The input may come from anycontrol, such as one described herein. The input is used to determineone or more parameters associated with the menu (e.g., the size,position of the menu) (480). The menu is expanded based on one or moreparameters to display one or more input controls or structuresassociated with the selected customizable menu item (490). For example,a menu portion may be expanded adjacent to the menu (e.g., below, above,to the right, or to left of the menu). Data received through the inputcontrols or structures are associated with the selected customizablemenu item. Throughout the process, the user interface menu and theincluded menu items remain displayed, allowing users the option toselect another menu item from the menu. In some examples, theabove-described process may be varied in design, order, implementation,or other aspects, and is not limited to the examples shown anddescribed. Further, process 451 may be suitable for implementing asprogramming instructions or in an application, such as the exemplaryapplication described in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary application architecture for expandableuser interface menu. Here, application 501 includes applicationprogramming interface (“API”) module 504, logic module 506, input module508, interface element manager 510, graphical user interface (“GUI”)composition layout module 512, rendering engine 514, display/outputmodule 516, repository 518, and bus 520. In some examples, API module504, logic module 506, input module 508, interface element manager 510,GUI composition layout module 512, rendering engine 514, display/outputmodule 516, and repository 518 may be in data communication with eachother, other applications, operating systems, drivers, or the like usingbus 520, which may be a logical or physical coupling configured to allowdata transfer between processes such as those described. Further, APImodule 504 may be in data communication with one or more externalprocesses (not shown) using actual or physical ports (not shown),processes, or other data interfaces. Other external processes mayinclude, but are not limited to operating systems (“OS”), drivers (e.g.,input/output, disk drive, and graphic circuit drivers), firmware,applications, state machines, virtual state machines, and others.

In some examples, when data is received by API module 504, it may betransferred to one or more other modules (e.g., logic module 506, inputmodule 508, interface element manager 510, GUI composition layout module512, rendering engine 514, display/output module 516, repository 518,and others) using bus 520. For example, after display/output module 516has displayed one or more user interface elements (e.g., a menu, menuitem, or menu portion), API module 504 may receive from an input driver(not shown) input data, for example, to select a menu, select a menuitem, move a menu or menu portion, interact with an input control, orotherwise interact with an interface element. The input data may betransferred to input module 508 for interpretation (e.g., determiningwhich element is being interfaced or a parameter associated with a menuor menu item) and transferred to display/output module 516 to displaythe interface element, for example, expanding a menu portion with one ormore input controls.

In some examples, logic module 506 may be configured to control the dataflow through bus 520 and direct the services provided by API module 504,input module 508, interface element manager 510, GUI composition layoutmodule 512, rendering engine 514, display/output module 516, andrepository 518 in order to implement an expandable user interface menuaccording to various embodiments. For example, data previous enter viaone or more input controls may be stored in repository 518. In responseto an input selecting a customizable menu item, logic module 506 maydirect interface element manager 510 to retrieve previously enteredinput control data from repository 518, direct GUI composition layoutmodule 512 to layout a menu portion with one or more input controls set,as default values, to the previously entered input control data, anddirect display/output module 516 to display an expandable user interfacemenu with a menu portion expanded.

Application 501 and the above-described modules and elements may bevaried in design, function, configuration, implementation, or otheraspects and are not limited to the descriptions provided above.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary computer system suitable forimplementing an expandable user interface menu. In some examples,computer system 600 may be used to implement computer programs,applications, methods, processes, or other software to perform theabove-described techniques. Computer system 600 includes a bus 602 orother communication mechanism for communicating information, whichinterconnects subsystems and devices, such as processor 604, systemmemory 606 (e.g., RAM), storage device 608 (e.g., ROM), disk drive 610(e.g., magnetic or optical), communication interface 612 (e.g., modem orEthernet card), display 614 (e.g., CRT or LCD), input device 616 (e.g.,keyboard), and cursor control 618 (e.g., mouse or trackball). Processor604 can be a single-core, dual-core, or multi-core processor; andprocessor 604 can be a processor in a multi-processor environment or adistributed processing environment.

According to some examples, computer system 600 performs specificoperations by processor 604 executing one or more sequences of one ormore instructions stored in system memory 606. Such instructions may beread into system memory 606 from another computer readable medium, suchas static storage device 608 or disk drive 610. In some examples,circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with softwareinstructions for implementation.

The term “computer readable medium” refers to any medium thatparticipates in providing instructions to processor 604 for execution.Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to,non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatilemedia includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as diskdrive 610. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as system memory606. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiberoptics, including wires that comprise bus 602 for transmitting acomputer data signal.

Common forms of computer readable media includes, for example, floppydisk, flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magneticmedium, CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, anyother physical medium with patterns of holes, RAM, PROM, EPROM,FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, carrier wave, or anyother medium from which a computer can read.

In some examples, execution of the sequences of instructions may beperformed by a single computer system 600. According to some examples,two or more computer systems 600 coupled by communication link 620(e.g., LAN, PSTN, or wireless network) may perform the sequence ofinstructions in coordination with one another. Computer system 600 maytransmit and receive messages, data, and instructions, includingprogram, i.e., application code, through communication link 620 andcommunication interface 612. Received program code may be executed byprocessor 604 as it is received, and/or stored in disk drive 610, orother non-volatile storage for later execution.

The foregoing examples have been described in some detail for purposesof clarity of understanding, but are not limited to the detailsprovided. There are many alternative ways and techniques forimplementation. The disclosed examples are illustrative and notrestrictive.

What is claimed:
 1. A method, comprising: displaying a dropdown menucomprising a plurality of menu items; receiving an input indicatingselection of one of the plurality of menu items that requires additionaluser input; and in response to said receiving, expanding the dropdownmenu within the context of the dropdown menu to present a new sectionwithin a structure of the dropdown menu, wherein the section isconfigured to receive a customizable input for the selected menu item;wherein an action or function for the selected menu item is notperformed until: the customizable input is received via the new sectionpresented in the expanded dropdown menu, and another input is receivedvia the new section to apply the customizable input; wherein none of theplurality of menu items is completely blocked by the section presentedwithin the expanded dropdown menu.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein themenu the menu items within the dropdown menu and the new section remaindisplayed and capable of receiving input until the customizable input isapplied or cancelled.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein a level of thecustomizable input is used to determine a layout associated withexpanding the menu.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving theinput indicating the selection of the menu item further comprisesgenerating a signal to expand the menu when an element is hovered overthe menu item.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing thereceived customizable input as a default value for the selected menuitem for a subsequent display of the dropdown menu.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein expanding the menu further comprises extending the menusubstantially adjacent to the menu.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereinthe new section comprises a list configured to present one or moreoptions, wherein the customizable input is provided by selecting one ofthe one or more options.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the newsection comprises a button configured to receive the customizable input.9. The method of claim 1, wherein the customizable input comprises textdata.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the menu is configured to bemoved.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the menu item comprises agraphical element.
 12. A system, comprising: a processor; a memorycoupled to the processor and storing program instructions executable toperform: displaying a dropdown menu comprising a plurality of menuitems, receiving an input indicating selection of one of the pluralityof menu items that requires additional user input, and in response tosaid receiving, expanding the dropdown menu within the context of thedropdown menu to present a new section within a structure of thedropdown menu, wherein the section is configured to receive acustomizable input for the selected menu item; wherein an action orfunction for the selected menu item is not performed until: thecustomizable input is received via the new section presented in theexpanded dropdown menu, and another input is received via the newsection to apply the customizable input; wherein none of the pluralityof menu items is completely blocked by the section presented within theexpanded dropdown menu.
 13. A non-transitory computer-readable mediumcomprising computer instructions for: displaying a dropdown menucomprising a plurality of menu items; receiving an input indicatingselection of one of the plurality of menu items that requires additionaluser input; and in response to said receiving, expanding the dropdownmenu within the context of the dropdown menu to present a new sectionwithin a structure of the dropdown menu, wherein the section isconfigured to receive a customizable input for the selected menu item;wherein an action or function for the selected menu item is notperformed until: the customizable input is received via the new sectionpresented in the expanded dropdown menu, and another input is receivedvia the new section to apply the customizable input; wherein none of theplurality of menu items is completely blocked by the section presentedwithin the expanded dropdown menu.
 14. A method, comprising: displayinga dropdown menu comprising a plurality of menu items including acustomizable menu item; receiving an input indicating selection of thecustomizable menu item, wherein the customizable menu item requiresadditional user input; using the input to determine one or moreparameters associated with the dropdown menu; and expanding the dropdownmenu within the context of the dropdown menu based on the one or moreparameters to display new section within a structure of the dropdownmenu, wherein the section is configured to receive customizable inputdata associated with the customizable menu item; wherein thecustomizable input data is usable to perform a function of thecustomizable menu item, wherein the function is not performed until: thecustomizable input data is received via the new section presented in theexpanded dropdown menu, and another input is received via the newsection to apply the customizable input; wherein none of the pluralityof menu items is completely blocked by the section presented within theexpanded dropdown menu.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the newsection is presented substantially adjacent to the menu.
 16. The methodof claim 14, wherein the new section comprises an element, the elementbeing interactive and configured to receive the input data.
 17. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the new section comprises a text box. 18.The system of claim 12, wherein the menu items within the dropdown menuand the new section remain displayed and capable of receiving inputuntil the customizable input is applied or cancelled.
 19. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein the menu items within thedropdown menu and the new section remain displayed and capable ofreceiving input until the customizable input is applied or cancelled.20. The method of claim 14, wherein the menu items within the dropdownmenu and the new section remain displayed and capable of receiving inputuntil the customizable input is applied or cancelled.